Niagara Falls USA vs Canadian Side

Niagara Falls is a huge tourist destination for two countries! The famous waterfalls straddle the Canadian and American border. I have always heard that the Canadian side gives you the best views, and I wondered if it was true. So, when I finally visited Toronto and Niagara Falls, I decided I had to see both sides of the argument to decide for myself!

Niagara Falls at a Glance

Both sides of Niagara Falls have great views and things to do
You’ll need a passport to go between the USA and Canada
The Canadian side of Niagara Falls is busy, while the American side is much quieter

Niagara Falls, Ontario

In Canada, Niagara Falls is about an hour and a half from our biggest city, Toronto. If you’ve been to the Canadian side, you’ll know that there is a lot going on! It is a busy area with lots of places to eat, to stay and things to do.

Where to Stay in Niagara Falls, Ontario

There are many hotels in Niagara Falls, Ontario, so it may be difficult to choose. We enjoyed staying at Vittoria Hotel & Suites, which is conveniently located close to Clifton Hill, the Hornblower Cruise, and Queen Victoria Park, where you’ll see the falls.

Niagara Falls, New York

On the United States side of Niagara Falls, things couldn’t be more different. The Falls are surrounded by a State Park with lots of green space, walking trails and a whole lot less flashing lights. There are restaurants and shopping in the town as well.

Going from Canada to the USA

If you want to travel from one side of the border to the other, you’ll have to cross a bridge! There are 3 bridges within 10 kilometres of the falls. The most popular (read: busy) is Rainbow Bridge, which does offer really great views. You can also walk across the Rainbow Bridge like we did.

It’s important to note that you will need a passport. It does seem like it’s all the same place, but you are crossing an international border, and you need a passport or a visa, depending on where you are from. You will also have to declare any purchases made when coming back to your home country.

Niagara Falls USA vs Canada

To compare both places, you need to take a few things into account: Things to do, the view, and the overall feel.

Attractions

There are so many attractions on each side, but I’ll start with the one they have in common: a boat tour. In Canada, it’s called The Hornblower, and on the US side, it’s The Maid Of The Mist. They are both basically the same. We had a blast on The Hornblower!

The Canadian side has so many haunted houses, arcades, wax museums and other places to spend time (and money) if you’re into them! Which means it can be difficult to visit Niagara Falls on a budget. While you’ll find a few of these things on the US side, there are not as many. You’ll also find a very popular aquarium on the US side: the Aquarium of Niagara.

On the Canadian side, you’ll find the Journey Behind The Falls tour, where you’ll be able to experience the falls from the tunnels behind and below the Horseshoe Falls.

On the US side, you can take the Cave Of The Winds tour for a more unique look at the falls. With special shoes and a poncho, you’ll descend to walkways that are just feet from Bridal Veil Falls; there’s a reason it’s called the “Hurricane Deck”! This is definitely the closest you will get to the falls!

View of the Falls

If you’ve always heard that Canada has the best views of the falls, it’s because from the Canadian side, you’re looking straight at all three waterfalls, and there are so many places that you’ll be able to see them.

I believe that the US side also has a unique view of the falls; you’ll be able to stand at the top and look straight down. You really feel the power of the falls when the river is rushing beside you and then dropping 100 feet into the water below.

Overall Impression

It’s hard to pick a side, since they are so different, even though they are built around the same natural attraction!

The Canadian side is busy. If you want lots of things for kids to do, then the Canadian side is probably for you. It is very commercialized, but there are lots of activities. The views of the falls are amazing, but it can be very crowded.

In the United States, the Niagara Falls State Park is much quieter. There is not as much to do, but you can still find lots of things to do. The views of the falls are interesting, but not quite as spectacular as the Canadian side.

Niagara Falls: Which Side Should You Visit?

Both! We enjoyed visiting both sides of Niagara Falls. I would stay on the Canadian side and walk across to the US for a couple of hours. Which side would you visit?

Niagara Falls FAQs

Niagara Falls USA vs Canadian side, which is better?

In general, the Canadian side of Niagara Falls is better for views of the falls, access to restaurants, shops, and hotels. The American side is quieter and great for hiking.

Can you go to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls without a passport?

Because you are crossing an international border, you will need a passport to visit the Canadian side of Niagara Falls if you are coming from the USA, and vice versa. You can drive across the border, or opt to walk across Rainbow Bridge. No matter what route you choose, you will need to present your passport to border security.

Can you go behind Niagara Falls on the US side?

No, no tour takes you behind Niagara Falls on the US side. Tour options on the US side include the Maid of the Mist boat tour, which takes you close to the falls on a boat and the Cave of the Winds, which is a boardwalk taking you to the base of the falls.

Do your clothes get wet on the Maid of the Mist?

Yes, it’s likely that your clothes will get wet on the Maid of the Mist or Hornblower tour at Niagara Falls. Both companies provide a poncho; however, your legs and shoes will likely get very wet on the tour. Wearing quick-dry clothing and shoes is a smart idea for your tour!